Aspirin Toxicity in Cats ~ Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.

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Aspirin Toxicity in Cats

Why is aspirin so dangerous to cats?

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is one of the most well known and popular over the counter drugs available. It is easy to assume that it is safe for cats, but this is definitely not the case.

Unlike humans, cats do not metabolise aspirin very slowly. It is extremely easy to give a cat a fatal overdose in as little as a single tablet. The biological half-life of aspirin is 37.5 hours in cats, meaning that it takes 3 days to remove half of the drug from the body. Aspirin toxcity occurs when a guardian intentionally gives the cat a high dosage of aspirin, gives aspirin over a prolonged period, or accidentally gives a product containing aspirin.

Aspirin can be used in very small doses, but only under strict veterinary supervision. The vet monitors the urine and blood pHs. It is absolutely vital that the cat guardian does not self medicate his/her cat with any medications, but especially aspirin, because this will most likely have disastrous consequences for the cat.

Aspirin toxicity can lead to kidney and liver damage.

What are the symptoms of aspirin poisoning?

Symptoms of aspirin poisoning include:

Depression

Hyperexcitability

Loss of balance

Vomiting, may contain blood

Diarrhea

Anorexia

Anemia

Gastric ulcers

Liver necrosis

Hyperthermia

Without treatment the following may occur:

Seizures

Coma

Death

How is aspirin poisoning in cats treated?

Immediate veterinary care is essential.
Induce vomiting if the exposure was recent (within the past 4 hours), followed by administration of activated charcoal.
Reestablish hydration and electrolyte balance with administration of IV fluids.
Alkalinisation of the urine with sodium bicarbonate promotes excretion of aspirin by enhancing the ion-trapping mechanism. Sodium bicarbonate should be administered carefully with frequent monitoring of urine or blood pH.
Maintain normal body temperature if the cat has become hyperthermic.

Page URL: http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/aspirin.html

Resource References:
Much, much appreciation to Julia - Cat World of Australia for permission to reprint on sniksnak.com the material found on this page. Thank you, Julia!